SUP Introduction

A introductory stand up paddleboarding (SUP) course on Loch Insh in Scotland is an excellent opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the Highlands and experience the thrill of SUP for the first time. Loch Insh is a stunning freshwater loch located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery with the Cairngorms on one side and the Monadhliaths on the other. On top of this there are forest, islands and even a wonderful cafe for a coffee after if that takes your fancy.

The SUP introduction course on Loch Insh typically lasts for 4 hours, and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The course will be led by one of our qualified SUP instructors (one of the best in the country) who will provide you with all the necessary equipment, including a board (suited to your height/weight), paddle (according to your height), and safety gear. You’ll begin the course with a short safety briefing and a demonstration of the basic SUP techniques.

Once you’re comfortable with the basic techniques, you’ll take to the water and start exploring the loch while learning and developing your skills on route. The calm waters of Loch Insh are perfect for beginners, offering a tranquil and relaxing environment for you to practice your skills and build your confidence. Your instructor will guide you through the various techniques, including how to stand up on the board, how to balance, how to paddle, and how to turn. The day will be tailored to the group and your aims, if you have children we can happily accommodate the day to more games orientated and if you wish to learn as much as possible then we can tailor it to be more developmental.

As you progress through the course, you’ll have the opportunity to practice your skills and explore the loch at your own pace. You’ll paddle along the tranquil shoreline, admiring the stunning mountain scenery and spotting local wildlife such as Osprey, fish, and the odd swimmer off a sup.

Throughout the SUP introduction course, your instructor will provide you with helpful tips and feedback to help you improve your technique and build your confidence. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn more about SUP and the local area.

At the end of the course, you’ll hopefully return to shore feeling energized and exhilarated, with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Loch Insh and the sport of stand up paddleboarding. You’ll also have the skills and knowledge you need to continue exploring other SUP destinations on your own, should you choose to do so. 

If you’re planning on taking our stand up paddleboarding (SUP) introduction course on Loch Insh in Scotland, here’s a possible itinerary:

Stand Up Paddelboarding SUP Introduction Course on Loch Insh:

10:00am – Meet at Loch Insh. You’ll meet your instructor for the day and get fitted for your equipment, including a board, paddle, wetsuit, buoyancy aid, leash and all safety gear.

Short safety briefing and demonstration of basic SUP techniques on the shore of Loch Insh.

Take to the water and start exploring the loch, practicing your skills and building your confidence under the guidance of your instructor.

Paddle along the tranquil shoreline of Loch Insh, admiring the stunning mountain scenery and spotting local wildlife. throughout the course your instructor will help teach you how to balance and paddle efficiently on the board as well as how to turn.

Start to work you way back to shore and debrief with your instructor. Ask any questions you have and get feedback on your technique. Every person will have the opportunity to discuss with the instructor how to progress further in the sport should they wish it.

2:00pm – Course ends. Take some time to enjoy the local area or stop for lunch at the post Office Cafe in Kincraig before continuing your day.

We are proud to recommend local accommodation options within the area for people when you are up for your SUP introduction Course:

Aviemore:

Youth Hostel A budget friendly option for people.

Coylumbridge Hotel Aviemroe – good for groups and families alike.

Premier Inn – always a good shout.

Rothiemurchus Campsite – situated in the stunning forest, this is a beautiful budget friendly option.

Glenmore Campsite – situated at Scotland’s highest beach, Loch Morlich has phenomenal views across to Cairngorm Mountain.

Newtonmore & Surrounding Areas:

https://www.wherestagsroar.co.uk/ award winning accommodation in the Highlands – perfect to stay at while up on an outdoor adventure.

Invernahavon Caravan Park – a bit quieter than the others as it is a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Aviemore.

Dalraddy Holiday Park – a family and dog friendly campsite.

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fun and rewarding activity that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are some reasons why you should consider learning how to stand up paddleboard:

SUP is a low-impact activity that can be easier on your joints compared to high-impact exercises like running. It can provide a full-body workout that engages your core, legs, arms, and back muscles, helping to improve your overall strength and balance. For this reason more people partake in this than canoeing or kayaking.

SUP allows you to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings, whether that’s a calm lake or a scenic river. It’s a great way to explore new places and connect with nature, which can be a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. You can make it as relaxing or challenging as you see fit in the river, sea and lochs.

SUP is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s easy to learn the basic techniques and you can progress to more advanced skills as you become more experienced. SUP can be done on calm waters, so you don’t need to have any previous experience with water sports to get started.

SUP can be a fun activity to do with friends or family. You can paddle together, race each other, or explore new areas together. It can also be a great way to meet new people who share similar interests. It can also be a great way to tire out the kids as they often find endless entertainment in using the sups as a jumping platform to enter the water!

SUP can be a thrilling adventure, especially if you decide to try it on the ocean or in whitewater. It can provide a sense of accomplishment when you master new skills and tackle new challenges.

Overall, learning how to stand up paddleboard on our Stand Up Paddelboarding SUP Introduction Course on Loch Insh can be a great way introduction to a future of SUP adventures. It’s a accessible, fun, and rewarding activity that you can enjoy for years to come.

We pride ourselves on providing as much kit as possible for you.  However, the list below is what we recommend you should bring to your SUP Introductory course:

• Something to go underneath a wetsuit – swimwear or a spare pair of underwear. (We do provide swimshorts to wear over the top of the wetsuit for greater style and modesty.)
• Travel insurance. (We are insured for all our trips, but we recommend everyone has their own travel insurance as well.)
• Transportation to the venue. (We may be able to help with this though – if you need transportation please drop us an enquiry and we can see what we can do to help.)
• Lunch, water.
• Personal medication
• Towel (if you wish – we do supply changing robes which are effectively a towel unto themselves but most people like a towel as well).

Here at Highland Outdoor Adventures, we pride ourselves on providing as much as we can but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you do prefer. The list below is what we provide you with on the day.

• Hala SUP’s -The world’s best stand up Paddleboards – perfect for this course.
• Paddles.
• Wetsuits
• Buoyancy aids.
• Cags if it is windy or raining.
• SUP leashes on a quick release belt.
• Neoprene wetsuit boots.
• Swimshorts to go over the top of wetsuits.
• Dry bags so you can bring equipment you might want along with you.
• All instruction.
• All first aid and safety equipment.
• Photographs of the day provided for you at no extra cost! 
• Fully certified instructors.
• Changing Robes or a pop up tent for those who require or wish for more privacy when changing into a wetsuit.